Keeping Wonthaggi's mining history alive

The State Coal Mine is regarded as the place where Wonthaggi's heart started beating. As the town and the mine celebrate their centenary there are plans to re-open the mine's underground tunnels for tourists.

The heart of Wonthaggi is said to have started beating at the State Coal Mine. The mine first began operation in 1910 and the township of Wonthaggi soon sprung up to support it and house its workers.

As both the town and the mine mark their centenary year, moves are afoot to re-open some of the mines underground tunnels to tourists.

The mine ceased operation in 1968. Tourists were once able to see a little of the underground mine, but in 2004 it was deemed too risky to take tourists into the tunnels. In the past few years Parks Victoria staff and volunteers have spent countless hours working underground to stabilise the tunnels and remove rubble, as well as to fit security systems.

Mine manager Braxton Lane says they are hoping to be able to take tourist groups into the underground tunnels later this year.

Mick Fitzgerald, a member of the Friends of the State Coal Mine group, says reopening the underground tunnels will keep alive memories of the mine and the town's early miners.